Key threat issues for companies in 2022: Report
“Ransomware attacks have become increasingly prevalent and sophisticated. They are becoming a top focus for both boards and management”, says Zachary Ginsburg, research director at research and marketing company Gartner. The company’s report 2022 Audit Plan Hot Sports shows ransomware but also long-term effects of the pandemic are expected to be key issues next year.
“Regardless of their size or revenue, organizations should assume they will be targeted with ransomware”
Many of the 12 risk hot spots – such as economic uncertainty, workforce management, and business continuity – relate to the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
“Global business operations continue to be disrupted by supply chain issues, shortages, and other ongoing market effects from the pandemic-era economy. These include fierce competition between organizations for talent, greatly increased shipping prices and times, and shortages of key goods such as semiconductors.”
2022 Audit Plan Hot Spots
- Ransomware
- Data and Analytics Governance
- Digital Business Transformation
- IT Governance
- Third Parties
- Business Continuity and Organizational Resilience
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
- Supply Chain
- Strategy Execution
- Workforce Management
- Retention and Recruitment
- Economic Uncertainty
“Ransomware is resulting in revenue and data loss, compromised data, reputational damage, significant operational disruption and more,” said Ginsburg.
“Regardless of their size or revenue, organizations should assume they will be targeted with ransomware, and they should examine their prevention, detection, mitigation, response and recovery measures.”
Five initial steps for auditors are recommended to mitigate risk from ransomware attacks:
- Evaluate Employee Security Training
- Assess External Relationships for Ransomware Support Services
- Review Ransomware Attack Response Plans
- Assess Data Storage Policies
- Review Service Provider Ransomware Attack Communication Protocols
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